Treasure Map returns for Season 3: What you need to know

Treasure Map, the reality show that has captivated a vast audience since 2020 by showcasing the activities of the K-pop group Treasure, is back with its highly anticipated third season.

The teaser for Season 3 premiered today on August 25th, offering viewers a glimpse of the upcoming season. So, let's take a look back at the past two seasons of this show that has brought joy to millions of fans.

Treasure - The K-pop Ensemble

Formed in 2019 by YG Entertainment through the survival reality show "YG Treasure Box" (2018-2019), Treasure is a South Korean boy band.

Initially comprising 12 members, the group currently consists of 10 talented individuals: Choi Hyun-suk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jae-hyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, Haruto, Park Jeong-woo, and So Jung-hwan.

Former members Mashiho and Bang Ye-dam left in November 2022. Ye-dam chose to depart to focus on his role as a music producer, while Mashiho retired due to personal health concerns.

The group made their debut with the single album "The First Step: Chapter One" in 2020, kicking off a four-album series that collectively sold over a million copies in just five months.

The journey of Treasure Map (The Show)

Commonly referred to as TMAP, TREASURE MAP is a reality web-series available on YouTube and SBS MTV/SBS FiL. It serves as a pre-debut variety show for the K-pop boy group Treasure.

The show follows the members of TREASURE as they take on challenges and offer glimpses into their daily lives through vlogs.

Season 1 aired from January 17th to July 24th, 2020, comprising episodes 1-28. An additional Chuseok episode was presented on October 2nd, 2020.

Season 2 ran from January 22nd to August 6th, 2021, spanning episodes 30-58. Another special episode premiered on August 5th, 2022, ahead of their second debut anniversary.

• Episodes 16 and 17 were influenced by "ISAC" or "Idol Star Athletics Championships," a South Korean reality TV show that premiered in 2010, featuring celebrities, particularly K-pop idol singers and groups, participating in multi-sport competitions. The program airs on MBC.

• Episode 18 drew from "Amazing Saturday" or "DoReMi Market," a variety show aired every Saturday. Each episode features a South Korean market and selects three representative food items. Cast and guests play games to win the food, following a unique dressing theme during filming.

• Episodes 30 and 31 incorporated elements from "Running Man," one of Korea's leading reality shows where hosts and guests undertake tasks at famous locations to secure victory.

• Episode 33 was modeled after "Blue Marble," a Korean board game akin to Monopoly, manufactured by Si-Yat-Sa.

• Episode 50 found inspiration in Family Entertainment.

• "T-Logs" showcase vlogs portraying TREASURE's daily routines.

• During the 44th episode, eight members were absent: Japanese members on vacation in Japan (Kanemoto Yoshinori, Takata Mashiho, Hamada Asahi, and Watanabe Haruto), and younger members (Yedam, Doyoung, Jeongwoo, Junghwan) due to studies.

• Jihoon was absent in Episode 47 due to illness.

• Controversy arose in the 54th episode, known as Summer King. The members received a task involving a public appearance in costumes as a punishment for those who couldn't complete it.

Jungkyu wore a box braid wig as a penalty imposed by the staff. This led to accusations of "racism" and "cultural appropriation" on social media, sparking criticism.

Fans of the group, known as Treasure Makers, used social media to emphasize that Junkyu wasn't part of the decision-making process regarding the costume, attributing it to YG Entertainment.

New episodes are released every Friday at 12 p.m. KST during active periods.

The new teaser has ignited cheers of joy among fans, although the excitement is tinged with a touch of longing as English subtitles for the video have yet to be provided, causing some discomfort for non-Korean fans.